Bass Legends - Mark King Course Overview

Welcome to "Bass Legends - Mark King," a signature bass guitar course offered by Licklibrary.coms Phil Williams. This course meticulously breaks down the playing techniques of Mark King, one of the most celebrated bassists. It features detailed tutorials on five iconic tracks: Love Games, The Chinese Way, Hot Water, Mr Pink, and The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up). Each lesson not only addresses the technical execution but also deepens the learner's understanding of King’s unique style.

Course Details

Love Games

The "Love Games" session dives into the fundamentals of rhythm and the distinct slap bass technique central to the song. The tutorial thoroughly explains the syncopated beats and dynamic control necessary for mastering this track. Acquiring these skills enables bass players to enhance their rhythmic contribution to any musical ensemble, elevating their overall musicality.

The Chinese Way

In this lesson, learners tackle octave techniques and the diverse applications of funk rhythms. Key focuses include mastering finger-picking and slap techniques to accurately replicate the energy and style of "The Chinese Way." Such versatility is crucial for bassists seeking to broaden their musical repertoire and adaptability across different genres.

Hot Water

Exploring "Hot Water," students delve into advanced slap techniques and the art of string bending. This track serves as a perfect example of how rhythmic and melodic elements can be intertwined to create compelling bass lines that resonate in a mix. These techniques are essential for bassists who aim to enhance their rhythmic foundation and melodic expressions.

Mr Pink

"Mr Pink" is known for its complex bass solos and demanding slap bass segments. The lesson focuses on these high-energy techniques, including the use of harmonics and fast-paced fingerwork. Such skills are invaluable for bassists looking to perform solos or intricate fills confidently, whether in a group setting or solo performances.

The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)

This tutorial on "The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)" introduces players to the use of chromatic scales and complex rhythms. It emphasizes blending these elements seamlessly to craft smooth, engaging bass lines. These techniques enrich a bassist’s playing with sophistication and are critical for both live performances and studio settings.

Techniques, Sounds, and Gear

Beyond individual song tutorials, "Bass Legends - Mark King" includes a segment dedicated to the specific sounds, techniques, and gear that Mark King favored. This insight is pivotal for students to understand how to emulate King’s iconic tone and how different equipment can affect their sound, crucial for personalizing tone in various musical scenarios.

Benefits

Participants of this course will not only learn to play Mark King’s bass lines with precision but will also grasp the theoretical underpinnings and musical contexts behind his creations. This comprehensive approach aids bassists in improvising and adapting these techniques in various musical styles, boosting their creative and performance capabilities.

List of Techniques Used

Below are the primary guitar techniques featured in this course, along with links to detailed resources for each:

• Slap Bass
• String Bending
• Chromaticism
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Octave Melodies
• Harmonics
• Finger Picking

Through "Bass Legends - Mark King," learners engage with the rich funk and pop repertoire that defined an era, all under the guidance of Mark King’s revolutionary bass techniques. This course not only equips them with the technical know-how but also nurtures the expressive capabilities needed to become influential musicians in their own rights.